Our core issue with Canada is space given to anti-India elements, extremists: MEA
| 2023-12-21
Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi at a media briefing in New Delhi on December 21, 2023.
MEA expresses hope that Canada will take action against such extremist elements
Emphasising that New Delhi's position has been quite consistent, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday (December 21, 2023) said India's core issue with Canada is the space that is given to extremists and anti-India elements in that country.
Addressing the weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA Official Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi also expressed the hope that Canada would take action against such extremist elements.
“Our position has been quite consistent. And whenever this has been raised, we have highlighted how we see the problem. The core issue remains the space that is given to extremists and terrorists and anti-India elements in that country," Bagchi said.
“I think you would have heard also from the External Affairs Minister recently as well as others, about the developments of that case… and we would hope that they would take action on such extremist elements that are misusing the freedom of speech and expression in their country,” Bagchi said.
Diplomatic ties between India and Canada have come under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in September regarding the potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June this year.
Meanwhile, responding to another question at the media briefing, the MEA Official Spokesperson said India received consular access to Nikhil Gupta on at least three occasions. Gupta is under detention in a Czech prison following charges by the US relating to a foiled assassination attempt on Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
The US Department of Justice had filed charges against Gupta that he worked with an Indian intelligence official in planning to allegedly kill Pannun in New York City.
On November 18, 2023, the Government of India had constituted a high-level Inquiry Committee to look into all the relevant aspects of the matter after the US shared what the MEA described as "some inputs pertaining to nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others".
Addressing the weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA Official Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi also expressed the hope that Canada would take action against such extremist elements.
“Our position has been quite consistent. And whenever this has been raised, we have highlighted how we see the problem. The core issue remains the space that is given to extremists and terrorists and anti-India elements in that country," Bagchi said.
“I think you would have heard also from the External Affairs Minister recently as well as others, about the developments of that case… and we would hope that they would take action on such extremist elements that are misusing the freedom of speech and expression in their country,” Bagchi said.
Diplomatic ties between India and Canada have come under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in September regarding the potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June this year.
Meanwhile, responding to another question at the media briefing, the MEA Official Spokesperson said India received consular access to Nikhil Gupta on at least three occasions. Gupta is under detention in a Czech prison following charges by the US relating to a foiled assassination attempt on Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
The US Department of Justice had filed charges against Gupta that he worked with an Indian intelligence official in planning to allegedly kill Pannun in New York City.
On November 18, 2023, the Government of India had constituted a high-level Inquiry Committee to look into all the relevant aspects of the matter after the US shared what the MEA described as "some inputs pertaining to nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others".
Canada and India Accelerate Trade Talks Ahead of December Visit
As trade negotiations progress, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada in December to finalise an agreement.
| 2026-09-23
US President Donald Trump Addresses UN General Assembly in 2026
In 2026, US President Donald Trump highlights key international issues during his UN General Assembly address, touching on global security and diplomacy.
| 2026-09-23
Richa Chadha Commends Salman Khan's Stand Against Body-Shaming
Richa Chadha praises Salman Khan's remarks on body-shaming in Bigg Boss 20, highlighting the impact on women, particularly new mothers.
| 2026-09-23
Delhi University Students Express Concerns Over Safety After Assault
Following a gang rape incident, Delhi University students are worried about safety and some are considering leaving the city.
| 2026-09-23
Legal Dispute Arises Over 'Vande Mataram' in Supreme Court Hearing
A Supreme Court hearing on 'Vande Mataram' saw heated exchanges as lawyers debated its implications on law and society.
| 2026-09-23